La Crosse begins zoning code rewrite; city hires MSA, aims for draft to council mid‑to‑late 2026

City planning staff told the Neighborhood Revitalization Commission on Feb. 5 that the city has launched a comprehensive rewrite of its municipal zoning code and subdivision ordinance, with consulting firm MSA under contract and a timeline targeting a draft to council by mid to late 2026.

Planner Mr. Ackland said the code “is largely from the eighties. It's very outdated. In many ways, it's hard to administer. In many ways, it's hard to enforce, and it's a lot of ways. It's hard to understand from the public as well.” He described the project as a broad update that will review conditional use permits, variance requests, planned unit development applications and design‑review exceptions from the last decade to identify recurring issues and code conflicts.

Why it matters: The zoning code rewrite follows the adoption of the comprehensive plan and aims to align zoning and subdivision rules with recent planning documents, including the downtown master plan and a recent housing study. Staff emphasized outreach: in‑person meetings, multiple appearances before neighborhood groups and online tools via the city’s 4 La Crosse website.

Process and timeline: Ackland said the city is in an analysis phase—reviewing plans, applications and code conflicts—and will produce a more robust internal report within about a month. The consulting team includes MSA and a technical subconsultant. Staff expects to solicit input through a stakeholder list and multiple public engagement events and hopes to complete a draft by mid‑2026 and finalize it by the end of 2026.

Discussion highlights: Commissioners asked whether consultants will use artificial intelligence tools for analysis; Ackland said he had not been told they are using AI and that one subconsultant is a long‑time technical specialist. Commissioners suggested AI could help analyze datasets, but staff did not confirm use. Commissioners also offered to help promote public outreach through neighborhood associations and requested repeated presentations during the process.

Next steps: Staff will deliver the consultant’s analysis, a public engagement plan and a staff list of code components needing attention. The commission was asked to assist in outreach and to expect staff visits to neighborhood groups during the code rewrite process.

No formal action or vote was taken on the zoning code update at this meeting.